What is an SSA?

For more than 28 years, the Special Service Area (SSA) program has provided communities with the financial means to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. SSAs, known as Business or Community Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a fair and transparent means to finance and manage improvement programs important to communities. SSAs levy funds by placing a nominal tax assessment on each taxpaying property within their service boundaries. SSAs are governed by State of Illinois statute, authorized by City of Chicago ordinance and administered locally with oversight by a local board of commissioners, which typically include property and business owners in the SSA boundaries.

How is the LPCC involved?

The LPCC is the service provider for both the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue SSAs.  The Chicago Department of Community Development (DCD) contracts with service providers, which are typically chambers of commerce or business associations.  As the service provider for the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue SSAs, we coordinate SSA services, which may include hiring staff and subcontractors as needed to fulfill the SSA work plan. We generate program reports to the DCD, SSA Commission, local aldermen and the community. We also assist with the recruitment of SSA Commissioners, who advise the city on appropriate SSA programs and costs.